Waterford Today

The Royal Oak School Board swore in three new members at its Jan. 12  meeting.

Newly-elected members Deborah Anderson, Michelle Cook, and Lauren Jasinski were sworn in by Judge Derek Meinecke of Michigan’s 44th District in front of family and community members.

“I'm excited once again for what this new school board is going to put forth for the students of our district. I'm excited about the leadership of all the members of our board,” Meinecke said. “From the court's perspective, the connection between the 44th District Court and our school district is the strongest connection between any court and any school district in the entire state of Michigan. 

"It comes from the leadership from the top and spreads throughout and permeates throughout the entire district through our parents, administrators and our students," he added. "I'm so glad we have this connection, even in a ceremonial way to begin your term here on the board.”

The board also nominated and voted on new board leadership for 2023. Maryanne VanHaitsma was chosen board president and Erika Alexander vice president.

Also, Anderson was chosen board secretary and Timothy Ciechorski was elected to board treasurer.

The school board also swore in its first student representatives.  

Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick introduced the five students, who had volunteered for the Justice 101 program, from Royal Oak High School. The students applied to the program and were sworn in by Meinecke as well as honorary members. There were three juniors, Megan Haun, Cecilia Irwin and Ava Burke, and two seniors, Bridget Simonsen and Carina Lopiccolo.

“This is very nice for me, because I know so many of these students," Meinecke said. "That's the one of the great privileges that I've had is being able to participate in our Justice 101 program. The idea that five of them have now emerged as student leaders is not a surprise to me." 

The student representatives introduced themselves at the end of the meeting, sharing how they went through the application process and that they are looking forward to in working more closely with the board.